martin luther king jr. by giving back. >>> as you heard earlier today was billed as the national day of service. something president obama started four years ago. it's a salute to volunteerism and the spirit of giving back. nbc's ron mott covered it and joins us from lafayette park from across the white house. >> reporter: good morning, lester. monday is also inauguration day and also the mlk holiday. today president obama kicked off his inaugural festivities by honoring dr. martin luther king jr. two days before the eyes of the world are focused on him, today president obama sought to fix the country's collective gaze on martin luther king jr.'s legacy on this national day of service, sprucing up a washington elementary school with the first family, while the vice president and his family helped load goodies bound for fighting service members, veterans and first responders. >> i'm always reminded that he said, everybody wants to be first. everybody wants to about drum major, but if you're going to be a dru